Week 17: Least Tern Update

Breeding season is nearly over for the California Least Terns and, unfortunately, there hasn’t been any successful nests let alone any fledglings at the Least Tern Colony at Venice Beach. Although we haven’t seen nests or flocks or Least Terns at the site, we will continue to monitor the site until the end of August. There is little chance that they may nest at the site, but it is still important to monitor the site during the summer and lookover disturbances or possible nests. As an optimist, I think it is okay to have a little hope for nests and fledglings at this site! 🙂

In addition, this week we also completed Snowy Plover surveys at four different sites and we found a flock of the California Least Terns at Malibu Lagoon. There was about 16/17 birds and a few were in courtship display. So not all hope is lost for Los Angeles! Cannot wait to hear if these will be successful! I think there is a better chance here because there is less human disturbance than at Venice. There are a few people who walk their dogs off leash at times but we will have to wait to the next report for the next update!
Also, almost forgot the mention the result of the Snowy Plover surveys. We surveyed four sites and we found ONE at only one site- which was Malibu Lagoon. There was so much kelp on shore, I think it was kelp heaven for the Snowy Plover that was running around.

There was a flock of California Least Terns at Malibu Lagoon! Hopefully, they nest and there will be fledglings!